Education Tax Benefits - 2015 (Text Based)

Few advantages are as sought after by parents for their children than an education that will enable them to grow professionally and enjoy the benefits such an education can help bestow. The federal government supports and encourages their efforts to provide that education through various programs and income tax incentives.

This course will examine the programs, credits, deductions and federal income tax treatment of various items that affect saving for and financing an individual’s education. In so doing, it will consider:

• Qualified tuition programs
• Coverdell education savings accounts
• The education savings bond program
• Federal tax credits for education
• The federal tax treatment of scholarships, fellowships, grants and tuition reductions
• Deductions available for student loan interest, tuition and fees

Learning Objectives:

I. Identify the features and tax benefits of qualified tuition programs available under IRC §529

II. Recognize the limits and tax treatment of contributions to and distributions from a Coverdell education savings account (ESA)

III. Identify the tax treatment of interest earned under qualified U.S. savings bonds used to pay certain education expenses

IV. Apply the American opportunity and lifetime learning credit rules

V. Recognize the tax treatment given to scholarships, fellowships and other types of educational assistance

VI. Apply the federal income tax rules applicable to student loan interest, payment of tuition and fees, and student loan cancellations and repayment assistance

Instructional Method: Self-Study

Updated: 1/29/15

Required Components: Written Materials

CPE Final Exam Required Passage Grade: 70%

Please Note: This course must be completed within 1 year of date of receipt of this course for CPE credit.